Monday, April 29, 2024

Rhode Island???s Historic Blackstone River Valley

Suggested Events for the Weekend April 2-3, 2016

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EXPERIENCE RENEWAL OVER EARLY SPRING WEEKEND IN NEW NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

??Springtime is often called the season of renewal and revitalization. Over the April 2-3 weekend Rhode Island???s Blackstone River Valley is your destination to discover rejuvenation.

This new National Historical Park, located in the heart of Southern New England has been transformed into a region now known for its past manufacturing heritage, and innovative communities supporting healthy places and spaces for living, working and recreating.

During the weekend thee are many great opportunities to get personally transformed and rebuilding your quality of life with fun spring season happenings.

Fitness, food, fashion and more!

Sunday, April 3, attend the 2016 Southern New England Women???s Expo happening at Twin River Casino, 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI.

This year???s event offers women everything from personal empowerment seminars, to health and fitness, food and cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, book signings, fashion makeovers and more! Tickets and a complete show schedule are online right now at www.snewomensexpo.com

Healthy trails to you!

Blackstone River Valley is a myriad of urban neighborhood and scenic rustic byways waiting to be discovered by residents and visitors alike. The early Spring weather is ideal for refreshing walks to discover local history, culture and sites at your own casual pace.

Over the weekend consider the marked Paths to Health with signed routes in Pawtucket and Central Falls, RI.

The Pawtucket Path to Health goes along through the Downtown Arts & Entertainment District, the revived waterfront and historic neighborhoods. Download the walking guide online at http://health.ri.gov/publications/brochures/pathstohealth/Pawtucket.pdf

The Central Falls Path to Health starts at City Hall and Jenks Park along Broad Street, known for its many multi-ethnic small businesses and meanders along major local streets. Download this walk online at www.health.ri.gov/publications/brochures/pathstohealth/CentralFalls.pdf

Meanwhile, the Smithfield Conservation Commission, in the town of Smithfield, RI offers everyone a chance to explore their community with suggested Seven Scenic Walks.

??These quaint trails are in the town???s open space and parks area and give a diversity of natural landscape in and near major local villages. Download the maps online at http://smithfieldri.com/seven-scenic-walks/

Exploring on the water, by bicycle and horseback

For others wanting ways to enjoy the Blackstone River Valley through other recreational activities, there are ways to see new perspectives of the area.

By canoe or kayak on the Blackstone American Heritage River

The Blackstone River is one of one dozen American Heritage Rivers, and recognized for being the first industrialized river in the US, and was the most polluted waterway in the nation. However, the river, spanning 48 miles from Worcester, MA south to Pawtucket, RI has rebounded over the last five decades to become a river supporting wildlife and being an ideal location for canoeists and kayakers.

On the water, paddlers can see spectacular views of natural areas, mill villages and urban settings mixed with wetlands and nature preserves. Water conditions on the Blackstone are mixed to varied degrees of navigating skills.

For more about paddling on the Blackstone and access points visit the web at www.paddleblackstone.com

By bicycle along the Blackstone River Bikeway

Also, meandering along portions of the Blackstone River and adjacent sections of the former Blackstone Canal is the Blackstone River Bikeway, which is a popular cycling destination for residents and visitors.

The portion of the bikepath located inside the Blackstone River State Park in Lincoln, RI offers unique perspectives. Riders and walkers can view panoramic sections of the river and well preserved sections of the canal. Also, view mill villages, the Wilbur Kelly House museum and other sites of interest.

Entrances to the bikeway are from the park???s Visitor Center, off Interstate 295 north, and off Front Street (Route 123.) More details are online at www.riparks.com

By horseback at Lincoln Woods State Park

Springtime is also a great way to explore nature inside the spectacular Lincoln Woods State Park, located off Route 146, Lincoln, RI.

The park is an ideal venue for horseback riding, as it hosts the nearby Sunset Stables, next to the park???s entrance on Twin River Road. Weekdays and Weekends, 9 am-5 pm, Sunset Stables offers horseback riding, including full equestrian programs for Western and English styles of horse riding.

More details are online at www.sunsetstablesri.com